Monthly Archives: March 2020

How are slate roofs installed?

slate roofing material ready to be installed

Why would you choose a slate roof vs shingles?

There are multiple roofing material options available today. It can be a challenge to choose one, and while the budget is always the big concern, knowing which roofing material will be the best option is a factor too. Asphalt shingles are indomitable of American roofs that most homeowners are most familiar with having. Shingle manufacturers today deliver an attractive, dependable, high-quality asphalt shingle that not only serves its purpose but enhances the appearance of your home. Whereas a slate roof is more expensive, but it too can add to the aesthetics and provides a high level of durability and is a value add to any home.

Are slate roofs good?

A slate roof that is properly installed and maintained can last a century or even longer. It can withstand the human and natural elements better than other roofing materials because it is fireproof, storm-resistant. When it comes to a slate roof with moss, you won’t find any because they are impermeable to water and is resistant to algae and moss that are damaging to an asphalt shingle roof.

Because slate roof material comes from a natural stone that has composite material blended into it, they are environmentally friendly. The only roofing material that comes close in environmentally friendly is cedar shake tile.

A home gains a different appearance with a slate roof installed. It gives a home an elegant look, and when it comes to selling your home later, it will grab a buyer’s attention.

slate roof in top condition due to quality maintenance

How do you maintain a slate roof?

The slate roof of the house can have a long lifespan when taken care of by the homeowner. This begins with an annual inspection every spring. With the inspection, you can catch any damage, and have it repaired before it causes more damage.  The essential components of a slate roof ahead of time for budget purposes. Proactiveness will save you money instead of waiting until your slate roof is leaking and have to pay for emergency service.

  • Broken or Slipped Slate:  It is bound to happen, especially if there are trees around, and a strong storm comes through. The best way to get this fixed is to hire an experienced roofing contractor that is trained in slate roof repairs.
  • Flashings: Like any roof, the metal at the chimney base, along the ridge, and in the valleys of your slate roof. Copper flashings have a maintenance-free life expectancy around 70 years, and the natural patina gives a slate roof an exceptional appearance. 
  • Chimneys: If not maintained, a chimney on a slate roof can be a headache. In addition to the masonry upkeep of the chimney, the flashing and flue must be maintained for them to do their job of keeping water out. This means the annual inspection mentioned earlier is a must to make sure the chimney and all of its components are in good condition.
  • Downspouts and Gutters: The final aspects of a slate roof that is the downspouts and gutters. All types of gutters need maintenance if they are doing the job intended, and the same for the downspouts. If you have galvanized gutters, you will need to have them painted regularly to keep them looking as good as your slate roof.

Do slate roofs need ventilation?

Slate roofs are made of rock that has been quarried from deep holes in the ground, through pits, shafts, and tunnels. The material is then hand-worked into a manageable size before being split into roofing shingles with chisels and hammers. A slate roof is waterproof and watertight, but it is not airtight. Ventilation in the attic willprevent condensation under the roof sheathing that is caused by warm inside air leaking into space.

Can you walk on a slate roof?   

You could, but if you’re not experienced at walking on roofs at all, it is recommended to leave inspections and repairs to those who are. There is a balance of delicacy and stability when it comes to walking on a slate roof. Even if one that is a century old and is doing the job of protecting a home, it can be damaged easily if caution is not used.  And experienced slate roof installer will erect scaffolding or use prop hook ladders to do an inspection or make repairs.  

What is the life expectancy of a slate roof?

The longevity of a slate roof is essential to a home’s value. Roofing of any kind is expensive, and the slate is one of the more costly types. It is also one that doesn’t require replacement for over 100 years; some have been around for 200 years or longer.

A slate roof can be a beautiful addition to any home, but for a home that hasn’t had a slate roof before, it is recommended to get an engineer check, making sure the structure can handle the weight. Additionally, not every roofing contractor is experienced with a slate roof. Always ask for references so that you can drive by and check out the results. Call 877-406-7663 today for slate roofing installation for your home in New Orleans, LA.

How Long Does Spray Foam Roofing Last?

A Roofer Sprays on Foam Roofing

How long does spray foam roofing last?

Thinking about installing foam roofing? Of all the many benefits of foam roofing, one attractive trait is longevity. The initial spray foam roof application will last anywhere between 20 to 35 years, depending on weather, climate, and maintenance. While that might not sound like a long time, the foam roof won’t have to be replaced after that time. Instead, the foam will just need to be reapplied, which can add another 20 years to its lifespan.

Along with longevity, you can expect a foam to protect the roof from leaks and improve your building’s overall energy efficiency. If you are interested in commercial foam roofing in New Orleans, LA, the trusted roofers to count on are those at ECO Commercial Roofing. You can find out more or schedule services by calling 877-406-7663.

Is spray foam roofing good?

Foam roofing has plenty of benefits. Along with being long-lasting and versatile, these lightweight roofs are known for the added protection they provide to your roofing system and building. Their seamless design, for instance, is airtight and protects the roof from leaks, and other problems common to flat roofs like ponding. These roofs also don’t attract mold and fungi. They also improve energy efficiency. Airight, these roofs serve as great insulation. They have an R-value of between 6.2 and 6.5, and have high thermal resistance. When applying foam roofing for commercial building roofing, you can expect to save as much as 30 to 50 on heating and cooling costs. All these benefits make foam roofing a leading choice as a commercial roofing solution.

How to apply foam roofing

Applying foam roofing is a relatively simple process. With the right skills and materials you can apply foam roofing yourself, though it’s always best to rely on professionals to ensure the application goes smoothly.

The steps in application include:

  • Preparing the roof by clearing the roof of debris and cleaning it.
  • Caulking will need to be applied as an adhesive, and is used to seal gaps or cracks or small holes.
  • Apply the foam.
  • Apply a protective coating like acrylic over the foam. 

How thick is foam roofing

When foam roofing is sprayed on, it starts out as a liquid, but it then expands and solidifies. After it expands, the layer is between 1- and 1 ½-inches thick. To preserve the foam, a protective layer of roof coating like acrylic or silicone is added, but minimally increases the thickness. The coating is only about 20 to 30 mils in thickness, and a mil is just one thousandth of an inch. The coating is necessary to protect the foam from ultraviolet light.

Can spray foam stop leaks?

Of the many advantages spray foam has, it’s seamless design allows it to stop leaks. Although spray foam starts off as a liquid, it quickly expands and solidifies. When it expands and solidifies, it covers the roof’s substrate, and gets into areas other types of materials can’t get into. It fills gaps and seals over pinhole leaks. While larger holes and other repairs need to be made before the foam is applied, once the foam roofing is applied, it will help prevent other leaks from occurring. 

How do you maintain a foam roof?

Another appeal of foam roofing is that it requires very little maintenance. Primarily, it will need to be swept or sprayed clean of debris, and a recoating after about five years will need to be made. The first recoating is a major way to preserve the roof. Keeping foot traffic to a minimum is a good idea. If there is heavy foot traffic, small holes may open in the foam. These holes can be repaired with caulking. If there are larger holes a recoat will need to be applied. If you don’t recoat the roof, minimize foot traffic, or keep the roof clean and clear of debris, the roof will begin to slowly deteriorate. You will begin to see small pits form. Any pitting like this will prevent you from recoating the roof. Any recoating you do should be made in moderate temperatures. Temperatures shouldn’t be below 65 degrees or the foam will not set properly. If it’s too hot, the coating will set too fast.

How much does it cost to replace a foam roof?

Foam roofing costs will vary depending on the slope, pitch and size of the roof. On average the spray foam will cost anywhere between about $6,000 to $7,200. The foam costs between $2.50 to $3 per square foot.

A Foam Roof

Foam roofing near me

To gain all the benefits of foam roofing in New Orleans, LA, get help from the leading commercial roofing contractors at ECO Commercial Roofing. We provide a complete range of spray foam and roof coating solutions. We also cover an extensive service area. Find out how we can help or schedule services with us by calling 877-406-7663.